What’s the Difference Between Screen Doors & Storm Doors?

Screen doors and storm doors are both designed for installation over an exterior door, typically the front door of a home. However, these doors provide different benefits. As the name implies, a screen door consists of a mesh material that’s attached to a door frame. Its primary purpose is to allow fresh air to waft into indoor areas for ventilation while blocking the entry of insects and other unwanted pests. Storm doors, on the other hand, usually consist of glass units held in the door frame, and they’re primarily added by homeowners who want to open their front doors to welcome natural light without risking damage from wind and rain.

Is a Screen Door Right For You?

Homeowners in the South, where the weather tends to be hot and muggy for much of the year, often don’t see much value in the installation of a screen door. There are likely to be far more days when opening a front door would allow warm outside temperatures to send the home’s HVAC system into overdrive than there are opportunities for welcoming a cool breeze.

Are Storm Doors Hurricane Resistant?

Storm doors, on the other hand, could be a more attractive option. Some homeowners might think a storm door will help protect their homes from windstorm damage, especially during hurricane season. But in reality, its storm protection capabilities are minimal. This is because they usually don’t feature heavy-duty frames or impact-resistant glass. If struck by flying debris during severe weather, a storm door would provide minimal protection and would likely incur significant damage and produce a mess of shattered glass.

Storm Doors vs. Impact Doors

Although storm doors might provide some protection against high-speed winds and flying debris, they’re not typically designed to meet the standards for hurricane protection. At NewSouth Window Solutions, we offer gorgeous fiberglass front doors with impact-resistant glass that will provide superior protection against storm damage for your home. Moreover, our impact doors are loaded with features that make them exceptionally durable in humid climates. They’re also designed to boost energy efficiency, thus helping to lower cooling and heating costs. And perhaps best of all, homeowners who have our impact doors installed won’t need a storm door that will distract from the beautiful front door they’ve carefully selected to bring out the best in their home’s façade.

Are Storm Doors Out of Fashion?

One question that often comes up is whether storm doors are out of fashion. While they may not be as common as they once were, storm doors continue to provide essential benefits for homes. Today’s storm doors come in various styles and materials, allowing homeowners to find options that complement the aesthetics of their homes.

It’s worth noting that trends in home design can vary by region and personal preference. Ultimately, the choice between screen and storm doors should align with your specific needs and the look you want for your home.

When Should You Not Use a Storm Door?

While storm doors offer numerous benefits, there are situations where they might not be the best choice for your home. Consider the following scenarios:

Mild Climates: In areas with a consistently mild climate, where extreme temperatures and harsh weather are infrequent, the added protection of a storm door may not be necessary. In such cases, a standard entry door might suffice, allowing unobstructed airflow and natural light without the extra expense.
Limited Budget: If you’re working with a tight budget and prioritize other home improvements over a storm door, it’s perfectly acceptable to forgo this addition. Instead, focus on maintaining your primary entry door to ensure its longevity and efficiency.

Is It Better to Have a Screen Door or Not?

The choice between having a screen door or not largely depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and regional climate. Here are some factors to consider when determining whether a screen door is a worthwhile addition to your home:

Increased Ventilation: Screen doors are an excellent choice when you desire enhanced ventilation in your living space. They allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home while keeping insects and pests at bay.
Natural Light: If your living area is in need of more natural light, a screen door can be a great solution. It enables sunlight to flood your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Moderate Climate: In regions with mild climates, where weather extremes are infrequent, a screen door provides the perfect balance between protecting your home from pests and allowing outdoor elements indoors. Screen doors are particularly popular in these areas.

Also Offering Impact-Resistant Patio Doors

Entry doors aren’t the only hurricane-ready exterior doors we offer. You can also upgrade your home’s defense against hurricanes and tropical storms with NewSouth Window Solutions’ range of impact-resistant sliding and hinged patio doors. Our doors blend security, energy efficiency, and stunning design to provide unmatched protection while enhancing your outdoor views and access.

Key Features of Our Impact-Resistant Patio Doors

Experience the pinnacle of craftsmanship and technology with our reinforced uPVC vinyl sliding doors. They are equipped with a 1-inch insulated glass unit that helps deliver superior energy performance while keeping your interior comfortable year-round. Wide stiles and rails contribute to the strength and stability of the doors, which are bolstered by heavy-duty, weight-bearing tandem stainless-steel rollers that offer smooth and effortless operation.

You can choose from both non-impact and impact options and explore multi-panel configurations that suit your unique needs. Security takes center stage with our dual-point Mortise lock and stainless-steel handles, ensuring durability even in coastal climates.

Other benefits include:

Easy upkeep – Our vinyl construction guarantees virtually maintenance-free doors that never require repainting.
Energy savings – Experience reduced heating and cooling costs thanks to Low-E glass packages and built-in insulation that lessen radiant heat transfer.
Weather resistance – Engineered to withstand harsh coastal conditions, our doors resist water infiltration and bravely face hurricane-force winds.

And with a lifetime transferable warranty covering both products and installation, you’ll enjoy peace of mind and lasting protection.

Do Patio Doors Need To Be Boarded Up During Hurricanes?

Impact-resistant glass panes play a pivotal role in eliminating the need to board up hurricane-rated patio doors when anticipating a storm. While impact-resistant glass provides substantial safeguarding, those seeking added peace of mind might consider adding an extra layer before an impending storm. This could eliminate the need for replacing shattered patio doors in the aftermath.

Ready To Upgrade Your Home?

If you’d like to explore your options for adding an impact-resistant front door to your home, the experts at NewSouth Window Solutions will be happy to tell you about the many benefits of our entry doors. We have showrooms in several states throughout the South and would love the opportunity to help you select the perfect doors for your home. Contact us today to learn more.